A play based on a short story by Kumar Nagarkoti, titled Jhyalincha, is slated to hit stage this week. The play, conceptualised and directed by Dayahang Rai, will be staged at Mandala Theatre in Anamnagar starting Tuesday, November 7. 

Jhyalinchha tells the story of a renowned author, named Hasabira, who has recently published a novel. The play starts off with a literary event where the novel, titled Jhyalincha, is being staged. 

The play then goes back in time to when the idea behind the novel originated, and the surreal circumstances under which it was penned. Along the way, the play touches upon themes pertaining to armed conflict, along with existential dilemmas as well. 

The 50-minute play features just two actors, Bijay Baral and Ranjana Oli. 

Jhyalincha marks a return to stage direction for Rai. He began his acting career from theatre in 2006 with the play Talakjung vs Tulke, before moving to the silver screen with a debut in the movie Anaagarik, directed by Ram Babu Gurung. Since then, Rai has featured in over 30 films, to critical and commercial acclaim. 

Last year, Rai returned to the theatre as an actor in Mandala’s production of Jean Anouilh’s A Episode In The Life Of An Author, which was directed by Som Nath Khanal. 

The play Jhyalincha premiered earlier this year during the commemoration ceremony of International Day of the Disappeared in August. 

Jhyalincha will also feature live music by Anupam Sharma and choreography by Kiran Chamling; while Anup Neupane and Rohit Poudel have designed the play’s lighting and sets. 

Jhyalincha will run through November 19.